Almost predictable. UNSCR (UN Security Council Resolutions) 1695 and1718 prohibit ballistic missile launches. However, satellite launches are considered peaceful civilian uses. Even if they ride the same launch vehicle.
I'm sure the timing only has to do with the 100th birthday of Kim Il Sung and nothing to do with the upcoming summit of world leaders in Seoul next week. When all the world leaders are gathered in Seoul and well within range of almost all of DPRKs missiles, perhaps they can decide how to deal with DPRK.
Who am I kidding?
Possibly the first signs of internal discord in DPRK leadership? Some not satisfied or afraid of stopping work on HEU. Leap Year deal says as long as satisfactory progress, DPRK stops HEU at Yongbyon and U.S. keeps giving 20k tons food/month.

Wanna break a deal and make it look like the other guy's fault? announce a missile launch, U.S. stops food aid, DPRK re-starts negotiations.

But there aren't any good alternatives.

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